How to Help a Friend Who is Struggling Today

How to Help a Friend Who is Struggling –Watch this 1½ minute video with Dr. Daniel BE.

When a friend is struggling, it can be hard to know what to say. Dr. Daniel BE talks about how to offer real support without pressure or judgment.

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How to Help a Friend Who Is Struggling

When someone you care about is going through a tough time, it can be hard to know how to support them. You might notice signs — they seem overwhelmed, withdrawn, or not quite themselves. Maybe they drop subtle hints about what they’re going through, but have trouble putting it into words. You want to help, but you don’t want to say the wrong thing or push too hard.

Being a Real Friend

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to fix it. You don’t need perfect words. What matters most is showing up with care and honesty.

Start by gently acknowledging what you’ve noticed. Simple phrases like, “You’ve seemed a bit off lately, and I just wanted to check in,” or “You said something the other day that stuck with me — how are you doing?” can open the door. Give them space to talk, even if it’s messy or unclear.

When the time feels right, you can also suggest therapy — not as a sign that something’s wrong, but as a powerful tool for growth. You might say, “I care about you, and I think working with a good therapist could really help you move through this.”

Next Steps

At BEing There Counseling, we help people build emotional skills and create meaningful change in their lives and relationships. Therapy here is more than conversation — it’s a structured, effective way to understand what’s going on and move forward with purpose.

If someone you love is struggling, your presence matters. Be real. Be kind. And when the moment is right, help them take a step toward support.

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